See & Do

The Rugrats Runaway Reptar is a new roller coaster
at Paramount's Carowinds, which opens this
weekend

We're Into Money! The National Money Show
comes to the Charlotte Convention Center
on Friday.

(Left) Flaming Guns of the Purple Sage will be
presented by Actor's Theatre of Charlotte at Spirit
Square starting on Wednesday, March 19

Arlo Guthrie at Neighborhood Theatre on Friday

MARCH 19, WEDNESDAY

CPCC's annual Spring Literary Festival wraps up today with several speakers including Marjorie Hudson and Ron Rash plus a special edition of WordPhoria. Hudson, author of Searching for Virginia Dare, speaks at 9:30am, and Novello Prize winner Rash, author of One Foot in Eden, speaks at 11:30am. Both talks will be in Pease Auditorium on the main CPCC campus off Elizabeth Avenue. WordPhoria will be at the Visulite Theater at 7:30pm. Reading will be poet and playwright Chuck Sullivan, Leslie Tompkins and Vera Gomez. Main Literary Festival events are free. Cover for WordPhoria is $5. Call 704-330-6666 or go to www.cpcc.edu/litfest for a complete schedule. (Wicker)

The Actor's Theatre of Charlotte will open Flaming Guns of the Purple Sage, starting tonight at Spirit Square. This crazy tale of Big 8 and her passion for young injured rodeo wannabes contains adult language and content and is recommended for mature audiences. The show runs through April 6. Tickets range from $15-$20. For more information and a complete schedule of shows, call 704-372-1000 or visit online at www.actorstheatre charlotte.org. (McKinney)

MARCH 20,THURSDAY

Tony Kushner's Angels In America will be presented starting tonight at Davidson College. The play (Part One: Millennium Approaches, only) focuses on the self-centered generation that came to pass during the 80s and looks at the major revelations from that time period, specifically AIDS, homosexuality, and political/religious corruption. The show will run through Saturday with shows at 2 and 8pm. Tickets range from $6-$12. For more information call 704-894-2000. (McKinney)
MARCH 21, FRIDAY

Sure they've yet to win a game, or come even close, but there's still fun to be had as the Carolina Cobras face off against the Dallas Desperados tonight at 7:30pm at Cricket Arena. Tickets start at $8. Call 704-522-6500 or visit online at www.cobrasfootball.com. (McKinney)

Do not scream for Arlo Guthrie to play his epic "hit" "Alice's Restaurant" while he's on stage at the Neighborhood Theatre tonight. Woody's son is probably forever stuck with that "Free Bird"-like albatross around his neck, but has a slew of other great songs besides. Tickets for the 8pm show are $30; available by phone at 704-358-9298. (Davis)

Most of us don't get to see large currency up close and personal. This weekend you'll have your chance as the National Money Show comes to the Charlotte Convention Center. Our money isn't nearly as visually appealing as other countries' currency -- but it's still a rarity to see a group of the largest bills ever printed along with rare coins from across the country, including some from our very own Queen City. The show will run Friday and Saturday from 10am-6:30pm and on Sunday from 10am-2pm. For more information call 719-499-3591 or visit online at www.money.org. (McKinney)

The Charlotte Checkers have their two final home games this weekend: tonight at 7:35pm against the Atlantic City Boardwalk and tomorrow night at 7:35pm against the Roanoke Express. The Checkers are cruising into the post-season with a pretty harsh record, so it may be your last chance to get in on the action. Tickets range from $6-$19. Call 704-522-6500 or visit online at www.gocheckers.com. (McKinney)

MARCH 22, SATURDAY

The 2003 season begins at Paramount's Carowinds today for weekends-only through May 18. The park will open for daily operation for the summer on May 23. New this year is Nickelodeon Central with a coaster (The Rugrats Runaway Reptar), a water ride (The Wild Thornberry's River Adventure), and a free-fall experience (Rocket Power Air Time). For more information call 1-800-888-4FUN or visit online at www.carowinds.com. (McKinney)

Jerry Seinfeld brings his stand-up show to Ovens Auditorium tonight for two shows. His brand of observational humor and television show about nothing made him one of the most popular comedians of the 1990s. Showtimes are at 7pm and 9:30pm. Tickets range from $45 to $75. Call 704-522-6500. (Wicker)

Charlotte Squawks! with Mike Collins will spoof all things Charlotte-related in an irreverent theatrical benefit for WTVI. Local celebs and actors will take the stage at the McGlohon Theatre in Spirit Square with song parodies and skits. Showtimes are tonight at 7:30pm and tomorrow at 2:30pm. Tickets are $20. Call 704-372-1000. (Wicker)